No one knew exactly how old he was, for even he did not know his birthday, but he was old enough for the beginnings of a beard and was without argument the most daring young rascal in all the Russias. A hero he was not. But it was said that he once defeated an entire regiment of cavalry with a bent steak knife—while he was eating. Impressive swordsmanship indeed, but not the kind of achievement that would make a mother proud.

Nicholas Saint North and the Battle of the Nightmare King Chapter 6